Romweber Furniture Co.
American
Some vintage Romweber Furniture Company designs may strike the young as passé. But for fans of a certain age, the American brand never went out of style.
The Romweber story began in the late 1800s, with the launch of American Furniture Company, which made bedroom furniture, Batesville Cabinet Company, a dining-room-set manufacturer, and Batesville Coffin Company. The three companies eventually merged to become a large and reputable manufacturer of case goods, furniture and more.
Not unlike many American companies, production at Romweber suffered during the Great Depression. The brand managed to stay afloat by making a rather strange pivot — to selling five-pound fruitcake boxes. During the Second World War, Romweber pivoted again, this time to the production of ammunition boxes and pontoons for American troops and, naturally, furniture for officers’ quarters.
While Romweber furniture (spelled “RomWeber” in vintage advertisements), dating back to the early 20th century, had designers working in the French Rococo and Chippendale styles, the brand is best known for its mid-century modern pieces. In the postwar years, Romweber manufactured walnut case pieces and storage cabinets that featured decorative olive-ash and burl-wood inlays with brass hardware as well as solid oak credenzas and dining tables designed by the likes of Harold Schwartz. For collectors of sophisticated 1950s furniture, the company’s sturdy Viking Oak line is particularly popular.
“It’s not uncommon for customers to say, ‘My parents had this Romweber Viking set,’” says Adam Cramer of collectors who visit Liberty & 33rd, the gallery he owns with his wife in South Bend, Indiana, about three hours north of Romweber’s birthplace in small-town Batesville. “It’s solid oak,” Cramer tells 1stDibs of the line of tables, chairs, desks and more.
Solid oak is the product of slow-growing deciduous trees. Solid oak furniture is durable, desirable and an investment that is usually associated with a hefty price. In solid oak furnishings, such as those that make up the covetable Romweber Viking Oak line, which launched in 1935, there aren’t any scraps of other components in the construction.
Inspired by Scandinavian folk design, Romweber’s Viking Oak is said to have enjoyed one of the longest runs for a commercial furniture line in history. The collection went out of production in the late 1980s, and mid-century editions remain highly prized for their exceptional quality and hand-carved details.
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Creator: Romweber Furniture Co.
Romweber Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Burl Wood and Brass Sideboard Credenza
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century modern Hollywood Regency sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1970s
Gorgeous burled Carpathian elm wood, with brass trim and origi...
Category
1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Antique Romweber English Chippendale Georgian Mahogany China Display Cabinet 78"
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th Century English Chippendale / Georgian style China Hutch / Curio / Display Cabinet by Romweber Industries. Circa 1920s. Made from crotch mahogany with a graceful breakfro...
Category
Early 20th Century American Chippendale Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Romweber Spanish Baroque Pine Commodes Chest of Drawers
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Southampton, NJ
An exceptional pair of Spanish Baroque style commodes, dressers or chests of drawers of solid pine construction, original Iron hardware with working locks & keys. Featuring three dov...
Category
1990s American Spanish Colonial Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Iron
Romweber Chippendale Flame Mahogany Carved Sideboard Buffet, Circa 1920s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Chippendale or Georgian style ornate carved sideboard buffet or credenza
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Gorgeous book-matched flame mahogany, with carved cabriole leg...
Category
1920s American Georgian Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Vintage Viking Oak Kneehole Writing Desk with Matching Chair by Romweber
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Lafayette, IN
Excellent vintage writing desk in the Viking Oak style by the Romweber Furniture Co. of Batesville, IN. This charming desk features wonderful relief carved details, solid oak constru...
Category
1940s American Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Burl Wood Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency nightstands or end tables
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1960s
Cherry wood cases, with burl wood banding and fronts, and unique Ita...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Rare 1939 Vintage Viking Oak Corner Console Radio by Romweber
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Lafayette, IN
Very rare corner radio with custom Viking Oak cabinet by the Romweber Furniture Company of Batesville, IN.
Radio features:
- Stromberg Carlson M...
Category
1930s Gothic Revival Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Oak
Romweber French Louis XV Flame Mahogany Dresser With Carved Swan Heads, 1930s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style nine-drawer dresser or credenza
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1930s
Stunning book-matched flame mahogany, with carved swan heads, and orig...
Category
1930s American Louis XV Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Antique Romweber English Chippendale Georgian Crotch Mahogany Buffet Sideboard
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Dayton, OH
An early 20th Century English Chippendale / Georgian style sideboard by Romweber Industries. Circa 1920s. Made from mahogany with a serpentine bowfront featuring a beautifully carve...
Category
Early 20th Century Chippendale Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Mahogany
6 Antique Romweber English Chippendale Georgian Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Dayton, OH
6 early 20th Century English Chippendale / Georgian style dining chairs by Romweber Industries. Circa 1920s. Made from mahogany with serpentine scalloped crest rail, pierced back sp...
Category
Early 20th Century American Chippendale Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Romweber French Provincial Louis XV Burl Wood Sideboard or Bar Cabinet, 1920s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Gorgeous book-matched exotic burled acacia wood, with carved cabri...
Category
1920s American Louis XV Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber French Provincial Louis XV Flame Mahogany Highboy Dresser, Circa 1920s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style highboy dresser or chest of drawers
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Stunning carved and book-matched flame mahogany, with original brass h...
Category
1920s American French Provincial Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Antique Romweber English Chippendale Georgian Mahogany Extendable Dining Table
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Dayton, OH
An early 20th century Chippendale / Georgian style dining or breakfast table by Romweber Industries. Circa 1920s. Made from mahogany with a beautifully carved edge over crotch mahog...
Category
Early 20th Century Chippendale Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Mahogany
Romweber Chippendale Mahogany Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Chippendale or Georgian style extension dining table
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Gorgeous mahogany, with flame mahogany apron, and carved solid mahogany legs with ...
Category
1920s American Georgian Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Mahogany
Futura Bar Cabinet by Jorgen Hansen and Jens Thuesen for Romweber
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in West Chester, PA
A rare and exquisite Jorgen Hansen and Jens Thuesen "Futura Bar Cabinet" for Romweber Furniture Co. circa 1959. The unique deep relief propeller sculpted so...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Credenza, Refinished
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Charleston, SC
An exceptional mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie dresser or credenza By Romweber USA, Circa 1950s Black lacquered teak, with original Asian-inspired brass hardware ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber Spanish Baroque Carved Pine Commode or Chest of Drawers
By Romweber Furniture Co., Jim Peed
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Spanish Baroque style carved pine dresser, commode, or chest of drawers
By Jim Peed for Romweber
USA, Circa 1990s
Measures: 4...
Category
Late 20th Century American Baroque Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Pine
Romweber French Regency Louis XVI Burled Walnut Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique French Regency Louis XVI style breakfront bookcase cabinet or dining cabinet
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Walnut case, with beautiful burled walnut front, mulli...
Category
1920s American Louis XVI Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber Chippendale Flame Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet, Circa 1920s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Chippendale or Georgian style breakfront bookcase cabinet or dining cabinet
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Gorgeous book-matched exotic flame mahogany, with mullioned...
Category
1920s American Georgian Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber Chippendale Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding set of eight Chippendale or Georgian style dining chairs
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Carved solid mahogany frames, with upholstered seats.
Measures:
Side Chairs: ...
Category
1920s American Georgian Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Harold Schwartz for Romweber Oak Spider Leg Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Harold Schwartz, Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table
By Harold Schwartz for Romweber
USA, 1950s
Sculpted oak with parquetry top, splayed spider legs, and unique felt-lined cutlery...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Oak
Romweber Viking Oak Lift Top Bar Cabinet, Circa 1960s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional rustic lift top bar cabinet
By Romweber, "Viking Oak" Collection
USA, Circa 1960s
Carved solid oak, with original brass hardware.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Rustic Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber French Rococo Louis XV Satinwood and Parcel Painted Triple Dresser
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Rococo Louis XV style triple dresser or credenza
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1940s
Book-matched satinwood, with painted tr...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Rococo Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber French Provincial Louis XV Carved Burl Wood Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish set of six French Provincial Louis XV style dining chairs
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Beautiful carved exotic burled acacia wood frames, with upholstered seats.
Measur...
Category
1920s American French Provincial Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Upholstery, Burl
Harold Schwartz Romweber Oak Tambour Cabinet, Sculptural & Architectural 1950s
By Harold Schwartz, Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
By Harold Schwartz for Romweber, this rare sculptural and architectural piece is as cool as anything designed by Vladimir Kagan, Hans Wegner, or Finn Juhl. High quality construction ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Oak
Harold Schwartz for Romweber Acacia and Walnut Wood Three Drawer Commode
By Harold Schwartz, Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Harold Schwartz for Romweber Furniture Company, Acacia wood and walnut wood three drawer commode. The front of the commode is ad...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Wolfgang Hoffmann Romweber World's Fair Century of Progress Sideboard
By Wolfgang Hoffmann, Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and important American Art Deco Century of Progress Sideboard by iconic designer Wolfgang Hoffmann (Austrian, 1900-1969) for Romweber Company, Batesville, Indiana. circa 1933-1936
Created for the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, fine quality craftsmanship and construction, having a rectangular exotic rosewood veneered top over conforming solid wood case fitted with four drawers affixed with horizontal pulls, the top drawer opening to reveal felt lined divided interior for silverware, flanked by cabinet doors opening to shelved interior, subtle geometric lines add interest. Rosewood, mahogany, richly figured blonde - golden birch or primavera.
Signed, top drawer interior, featuring 1933 World's Fair mark impressed.
**Please note, at the time of writing this, a matching display case - vitrine cabinet (shown in last photo) is currently available separately**
Provenance / Acquisition:
Property from the important and iconic Collection of Mr. James I. Rafftesaeth Jr., Dallas, Texas
Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas. 2022 Design Signature Auction catalog #8091
History:
Wolfgang Hoffmann was born in Vienna, Austria in 1900. He is the son of famous architect, pedagogue and Wiener Werkstatte cofounder, Joseph Hoffmann (1870-1956). Early on, following his father’s s interests, he was trained in the decorative arts and design. Wolfgang Hoffmann once reminisced, “I spent eight years at the Realschule, then three years went to a special architectural school, where I perfected my technical knowledge of architecture and general construction. From this school, I was graduated to the Kunstgewerbeschule [Studying under Oskar Strnad and Josef Frank in Vienna]. After finishing this school, I had one and a half years of practical in a well known architect’s office. Thereafter I worked in my Father’s office for two years”.
Hoffmann met his future wife, Polish immigrant Pola (1902-1984) when they were both studying at the Kunstgewerbeschule. Joseph Urban (1872-1933) was needing an assistant for his architectural business in New York and contacted his friend and colleague, Joseph Hoffmann in Vienna. Hoffmann recommended his son Wolfgang. Urban hired him and sent a first class passage ticket to Vienna for Wolfgang to travel to New York. Wolfgang married Pola and traded his ticket for two tickets to America in steerage, arriving in New York City in December of 1925.
Leaving the Urban office after nine months, Wolfgang and Pola formed an independent design practice with offices on Madison Avenue in Manhattan with the purpose of creating contemporary interiors and industrial designs. Early work included theaters, stores, and apartments mostly in New York City.
During the late 1920’s and early 1930’s the Hoffmanns designed custom furniture for private clients. Some of these examples were shown in the February 1929 issue of House and Garden. Curiously, the examples’ design was attributed to Urban and the production to Pola Hoffmann, Inc.
Established in the fall of 1928, the American Designers’ Gallery was “devoted exclusively to showing objects and interiors for practical use… by fourteen American architects and designers”. Its members included the Hoffmans and Urban as well as ceramist Henry Varnum Poor (1888-1971), architect Raymond Hood (1881-1934), artist designer Winold Reiss (1886-1953), graphic designer Lucien Bernhard (1896-1981), decorator Donald Deskey (1894-1989), and architect Ely Jacques Kahn (1884-1972).
The Hoffmanns’ work was included in the American Designers’ Gallery’s two showcase events, its 1928 and 1929 exhibitions. Their dining alcove at the 1929 event featured a bench with a dinette table and two chairs in American walnut designed by Wolfgang and a rug by Pola.
Lucien Bernhard, fellow Austrian immigrant who settled in New York a year before the Hoffmanns, operated the gallery and decorating service Contempora with Munich resident Bruno Paul (1874-1968). The Hoffmanns, occasionally participating with Contempora, designed a number of outstanding interiors, including the constructivist living room of 1930 for Mrs. O.R. Sommerich at 40 East 66th street. In 1934, Donald Deskey commissioned Wolfgang to design birchwood furnishings for the eclectic apartment at 625 Park Avenue belonging to Helena Rubinstein.
In 1931, Wolfgang exhibited his work at the Pennsylvania Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The same year, with Kem Weber (1889-1963) he organized the second and final exhibition of AUDAC- “Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts”- at the Brooklyn Museum. At this event, the Hoffmanns showed the dining room previously included in the American Designer’s Gallery’s 1929 exhibition in the Chase Bank Building lobby at 145 West 57th Street in Manhattan.
In 1932 Wolfgang was asked to assist Urban in developing the color scheme for the 1933-34 Chicago World’s Fair “A Century of Progress”. He was also commissioned to design the interior and furniture for the fair’s lumber industries house. There he executed its living and dining rooms furnished by Kroehler Manufacturing Company of Chicago; the boys’ room by Shower Brothers...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Birch, Mahogany, Rosewood
Federal Flame Crotch Mahogany Bow Front Double Door Compartment Sideboard MINT!
By Batesville, Established Lines, Drexel, Romweber Furniture Co., Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Federal Flame Crotch Mahogany Bow Front Double Door Compartment Sideboard MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber Spanish Baroque Carved Pine Writing Desk
By Jim Peed, Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Spanish Baroque style writing desk
By Jim Peed for Romweber
USA, Circa 1990s
Carved pine, with original brass hardware. Middl...
Category
Late 20th Century American Baroque Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Harold Schwartz Romweber Oak Pair Nightstands Sculptural & Architectural 50s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
By Harold Schwartz for Romweber, this rare sculptural and architectural pair of nightstands or end tables is as cool as anything designed by Vladimir Kagan, Hans Wegner, or Finn Juhl...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Leather, Oak
Romweber French Provincial Louis XV Burl Wood Sideboard or Bar Cabinet, 1920s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Gorgeous book-matched exotic burled acacia wood, with carved cabri...
Category
1920s American Louis XV Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Walnut and Burl Wood Highboy Dresser
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency six-drawer highboy dresser
By Romweber Furniture
USA, Circa 1960s
Walnut, with inlaid burled walnut, and original brass hardware.
...
Category
1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber French Provincial Louis XV Burl Wood Extension Dining Table, Refinished
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique French Provincial Louis XV style extension dining table
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Stunning exotic burled acacia wood, with carved cabriole legs.
Measures: 6...
Category
1920s American French Provincial Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Burl
Pair of Romweber Carved Oak Lounge Chairs
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Romweber carved oak lounge chairs newly upholstered in black vinyl. Frames are heavily carved.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Oak
Romweber French Provincial Louis XV Burl Wood Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet, 1920s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style breakfront bookcase cabinet or dining cabinet
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Gorgeous book-matched exotic burled acacia wood, with mu...
Category
1920s American Louis XV Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Brutalist Burled Walnut Sideboard by Harold Schwartz for Romweber
By Romweber Furniture Co., Harold Schwartz
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modern sideboard was designed by the illustrious Harold Schwartz and realized by the Romweber Furniture Company in the United States, circa 1950. It feature...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber French Provincial Louis XV Burl Wood Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet, 1940s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous breakfront bookcase cabinet or dining cabinet
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Beautiful exotic burled acacia wood, with mullioned glass front doors, and original brass har...
Category
1940s American French Provincial Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber French Provincial Louis XV Burl Wood Bar Cabinet, Circa 1920s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style buffet server or bar cabinet
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Gorgeous exotic burled acacia wood, with original brass hardware.
Measur...
Category
1920s American Louis XV Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Countryside, IL
Romweber Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Each chair measures: 20.5 wide x 21 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 16.75 inches
All pieces of fur...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Harold Schwartz for Romweber Ebonized Bar Cabinet, Newly Refinished
By Harold Schwartz, Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern ebonized mahogany sideboard credenza or bar cabinet server
By Harold Schwartz for Romweber
USA, 195...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Mahogany
Art Deco Signed Wolfgang Hoffmann for Romweber World's Fair Display Cabinet
By Wolfgang Hoffmann, Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and important Art Deco period Century of Progress Display Cabinet designed by Wolfgang Hoffmann (Austrian, 1900-1969) for Romweber Company, Batesville, Indiana, United States of America. circa 1933-1936
Created for the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, one piece design, having a rectangular showcase top with glass panel sides and a pair of sliding glass doors, over solid wood chest fitted with four drawers affixed with horizontal pulls, flanked by cabinet doors, opening to shelved interior. Rosewood, mahogany, richly figured blonde - golden birch or primavera, and glass.
Signed, original label to drawer interior, featuring 1933 World's Fair mark impressed.
**Please note, at the time of writing this, a matching sideboard - buffet (shown in last photo) is currently available separately**
Provenance / Acquisition:
Property from the important and iconic collection of Mr. James I. Rafftesaeth Jr., Dallas, Texas
Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas. 2022 Design Signature Auction catalog #8091
History:
Wolfgang Hoffmann was born in Vienna, Austria in 1900. He is the son of famous architect, pedagogue and Wiener Werkstatte cofounder, Joseph Hoffmann (1870-1956). Early on, following his father’s s interests, he was trained in the decorative arts and design. Wolfgang Hoffmann once reminisced, “I spent eight years at the Realschule, then three years went to a special architectural school, where I perfected my technical knowledge of architecture and general construction. From this school, I was graduated to the Kunstgewerbeschule [Studying under Oskar Strnad and Josef Frank in Vienna]. After finishing this school, I had one and a half years of practical in a well known architect’s office. Thereafter I worked in my Father’s office for two years”.
Hoffmann met his future wife, Polish immigrant Pola (1902-1984) when they were both studying at the Kunstgewerbeschule. Joseph Urban (1872-1933) was needing an assistant for his architectural business in New York and contacted his friend and colleague, Joseph Hoffmann in Vienna. Hoffmann recommended his son Wolfgang. Urban hired him and sent a first class passage ticket to Vienna for Wolfgang to travel to New York. Wolfgang married Pola and traded his ticket for two tickets to America in steerage, arriving in New York City in December of 1925.
Leaving the Urban office after nine months, Wolfgang and Pola formed an independent design practice with offices on Madison Avenue in Manhattan with the purpose of creating contemporary interiors and industrial designs. Early work included theaters, stores, and apartments mostly in New York City.
During the late 1920’s and early 1930’s the Hoffmanns designed custom furniture for private clients. Some of these examples were shown in the February 1929 issue of House and Garden. Curiously, the examples’ design was attributed to Urban and the production to Pola Hoffmann, Inc.
Established in the fall of 1928, the American Designers’ Gallery was “devoted exclusively to showing objects and interiors for practical use… by fourteen American architects and designers”. Its members included the Hoffmans and Urban as well as ceramist Henry Varnum Poor (1888-1971), architect Raymond Hood (1881-1934), artist designer Winold Reiss (1886-1953), graphic designer Lucien Bernhard (1896-1981), decorator Donald Deskey (1894-1989), and architect Ely Jacques Kahn (1884-1972).
The Hoffmanns’ work was included in the American Designers’ Gallery’s two showcase events, its 1928 and 1929 exhibitions. Their dining alcove at the 1929 event featured a bench with a dinette table and two chairs in American walnut designed by Wolfgang and a rug by Pola.
Lucien Bernhard, fellow Austrian immigrant who settled in New York a year before the Hoffmanns, operated the gallery and decorating service Contempora with Munich resident Bruno Paul (1874-1968). The Hoffmanns, occasionally participating with Contempora, designed a number of outstanding interiors, including the constructivist living room of 1930 for Mrs. O.R. Sommerich at 40 East 66th street. In 1934, Donald Deskey commissioned Wolfgang to design birchwood furnishings for the eclectic apartment at 625 Park Avenue belonging to Helena Rubinstein.
In 1931, Wolfgang exhibited his work at the Pennsylvania Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The same year, with Kem Weber (1889-1963) he organized the second and final exhibition of AUDAC- “Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts”- at the Brooklyn Museum. At this event, the Hoffmanns showed the dining room previously included in the American Designer’s Gallery’s 1929 exhibition in the Chase Bank Building lobby at 145 West 57th Street in Manhattan.
In 1932 Wolfgang was asked to assist Urban in developing the color scheme for the 1933-34 Chicago World’s Fair “A Century of Progress”. He was also commissioned to design the interior and furniture for the fair’s lumber industries house. There he executed its living and dining rooms furnished by Kroehler Manufacturing Company of Chicago; the boys’ room by Shower Brothers...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Glass, Mahogany, Rosewood
Romweber French Louis XV Flame Mahogany Nightstands, Circa 1920s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of French Provincial Louis XV style bedside tables
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Stunning book-matched flame mahogany, with carved cabriole legs, and original b...
Category
1920s American Louis XV Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber Mid-Century Modern Oak Spider Leg Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Harold Schwartz, Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Mid-Century Modern extension dining table
By Harold Schwartz for Romweber
USA, 1950s
Sculpted oak with parquetry top, splayed spider legs, and unique felt-lined cut...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Oak
Romweber Empire Mahogany, Burl Wood, and Brass Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Empire or Neoclassical style nightstands
By Romweber
USA, circa 1940s
Mahogany cases, with gorgeous book...
Category
1940s American Empire Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber French Rococo Satinwood Inlaid Marquetry Parcel Painted Dresser, 1930s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Rococo Louis XV style three drawer dresser or chest of drawers
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1930s
Beautiful satinwood, with inlaid marquetry, painted and gilt details,...
Category
1930s American Louis XV Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber French Rococo Louis XV Satinwood Inlaid Marquetry Gentlemen's Chest
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Rococo Louis XV style highboy dresser
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1930s
Beautiful satinwood, with inlaid marquetry, painted and gold gilt details, and original brass ...
Category
1930s American Rococo Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber French Provincial Louis XV Burl Wood Bar Cabinet, Circa 1920s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style buffet server or bar cabinet
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Gorgeous book-matched olive ash burl wood, with original brass hardware.
...
Category
1920s American Louis XV Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber Burled Walnut and Brass Campaign-Modern Credenza
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Romweber Furniture dark finished burled walnut floating credenza or sideboard. Heavy brass double pedestal base, radiused front with flat back. Brass welting to the lower front file...
Category
1970s American Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
1930’s French Rococo Louis XV Style Lacquered Green Vanity Stool
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Charleston, SC
1930’s French Rococo Louis XV Style Lacquered Green Vanity Stool A beautiful 1930’s vanity stool that has been lacquered in “Danish Lawn” by Farrow and Ba...
Category
1930s American Rococo Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
1960's Chinoiserie China Cabinet from Romweber
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Hartville, OH
Extraordinary Original Vintage Condition with minimal signs of use/wear.
DescriptionSpectacular Hand Carved and Hand Painted Chinoiserie Display Cabinet from Romweber.
Intricate deta...
Category
1960s American Chinoiserie Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Lacquer
Harold Schwartz for Romweber Burled Walnut Parabolic Coffee Table
By Romweber Furniture Co., Harold Schwartz
Located in Chicago, IL
Convex-curve edge burled walnut coffee table by Harold M. Schwartz for Romweber. Carved openings at each end resemble a tray top.
Category
1950s American Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Burl, Walnut
Romweber French Provincial Louis XV Burl Wood Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet, 1920s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style breakfront bookcase cabinet or dining cabinet
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Gorgeous burled olive wood, with mullioned glass front d...
Category
1920s American French Provincial Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Lacquered Grasscloth Dresser or Credenza
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie long dresser or credenza
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1980s
Beautiful lacquered grasscloth, with original Asian-inspired brass hardwa...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Romweber French Provincial Louis XV Burl Wood Vanity, Circa 1920s
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style vanity or writing desk
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1920s
Stunning book-matched exotic burled Narra wood, with carved cabriole legs, and ...
Category
1920s American Louis XV Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Burlwood Hi-Boy Dresser / Wardrobe Cabinet, Brass Accent
By Harold Schwartz, Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Manhasset, NY
Mid-Century Modern burlwood hi-boy dresser / wardrobe cabinet, bronze accent.
Designed by Harold Schwartz for Romweber Furniture...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Metal
Uncommon Harold M. Schwartz Trapezoidal Side Table for Romweber
By Romweber Furniture Co., Harold Schwartz
Located in Chicago, IL
Dark oak hand-carved trapezoidal three-tiered end table by Harold M. Schwartz for Romweber. Three surface levels, with the top being glass. Tapered hand-carved legs are inverted tria...
Category
1950s American Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Oak, Glass
Romweber Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Burl Wood Dresser, Newly Refinished
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency triple dresser or credenza
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1960s
Cherry wood case, with burl wood banding and front, and unique Italian trav...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Trio of Harold Schwartz White Oak Nesting Tray Tables for Romweber
By Harold Schwartz, Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Wonderful modern design and sturdy oak framing, these nesting tables by Harold Schwartz for Romweber have finely carved legs and stretchers. The top table has three oak trays for ser...
Category
1950s American Vintage Romweber Furniture Co.
Materials
Oak
Romweber Furniture Co. furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Romweber Furniture Co. furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Romweber Furniture Co. furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Romweber Furniture Co. were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Conant Ball, John Stuart Inc., and Broyhill. Prices for Romweber Furniture Co. furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $950 and can go as high as $22,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,995.
Creators Similar to Romweber Furniture Co.
Questions About Romweber Furniture Co.
- What is Romweber Furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024Romweber Furniture was an American furniture manufacturer. It began in the late 1800s with the launch of American Furniture Company, which made bedroom furniture; Batesville Cabinet Company, a dining-room set manufacturer and Batesville Coffin Company. The three companies eventually merged to become a large manufacturer of case goods, furniture and more. While Romweber Furniture had earlier designers working in the French Rococo and Chippendale styles, the brand is best known for its mid-century modern pieces. This includes walnut case pieces and storage cabinets that feature decorative olive-ash and burl-wood inlays with brass hardware, as well as solid oak credenzas and dining tables designed by Harold Schwartz. For collectors of sophisticated 1950s furniture, the company’s sturdy Viking Oak line is particularly popular. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Romweber furniture.
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